Water sports at Calangute beach shut on Wednesday and Thursday
Calangute MLA Michael Lobo and government officials during an interaction with water sports boat operators on Calangute beach.
MAPUSA
Government officials on Thursday directed boat operators engaged in water sports activities to ensure the safety of passengers.
The instructions were issued after a boat carrying nearly 20 tourists capsized off Calangute beach on Christmas Day, resulting in the death of Suryakant Pophalkar (45) of Khed-Ratnagiri, and serious injuries to five others, including a five-year-old boy, who have been admitted to GMC hospital.
In the wake of the tragedy, the water sports activities at Calangute beach were closed all day on Wednesday and Thursday.
On Thursday evening, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo convened a meeting with officials from the Captain of Ports (CoP) and tourism department, Coastal Security Police and Tourist Police officers, along with office bearers of the Water Sports Activities Association and boat operators.
Officials from CoP instructed the water sports boat operators to strictly follow the rules enforced by the government and to avoid endangering the lives of tourists.
There are 4-5 water sports boat counters at Calangute and Baga beaches and it was found that tourists are often packed into boats beyond their maximum permitted capacity.
It was also revealed during the meeting that there are no government or tourism department officials available to monitor these activities.
Lobo suggested to officials of the CoP and tourism department that strict action should be taken if rules are violated by water sports boat operators.
“It is mandatory to take strict measures to prevent recurrence of such accidents and ensure that innocent passengers do not lose their lives due to the irresponsibility of boat operators,” said Lobo.
“Boat operators should make it mandatory for passengers to wear life jackets before entering the boat. Passengers exceeding the maximum permitted capacity should not be allowed into the boat.”
The MLA also demanded action against touts rampant on Calangute beach and suggested that shack and water sports operators should provide identity cards and uniforms to their employees to keep a check on touts.
Meanwhile, the Congress Calangute Block Committee blamed the tourism department, the Captain of Ports and the police for Wednesday’s boat tragedy.
Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Mapusa, State Party secretary Vijay Bhike said there is no administrative mechanism to monitor the water sports boats. District President Virendra Shirodkar, Calangute Block Committee President Lawrence Silvera and others were also present at the news conference.
Police arrest operators of ill-fated boat
PANAJI: Panaji coastal police have arrested the operators of a water sports boat that capsized off the Calangute coast yesterday, resulting in the death of a tourist from Maharashtra.
The arrested boat operators are 42-year-old Dharappa Zirali (from Belgaum) and 34-year-old Ibrahim Saab (from Shimoga). A case has also been registered against the boat owner, Meena Coutinho.
The Captain of Ports (CoP) has suspended passenger boat licence GOA-825-WS for alleged negligence.
The boat, carrying nearly 20 tourists, overturned yesterday afternoon, leading to the death of 45-year-old Suryakant Pophalkar, a resident of Khed-Ratnagiri. Five others, including a five-year-old boy, are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at GMC.
Among the passengers were 13 members of the Pophalkar family, who were visiting Goa for a Christmas holiday. Although the boat’s capacity was around 10 passengers, it was carrying 20 at the time. The boat’s engine reportedly stopped about 100 metres from the shore, causing the operator to lose control. The vessel capsized after a strong wave hit it during its second trip out to sea.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
